Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in patients with uveitis

Visual outcomes and risk factors of uveitis cataract eyes after phacoemulsification and manual small-incision cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To examine the visual outcomes and risk factors of uveitis cataract eyes after phacoemulsification and manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS).

SETTING

Tertiary-care eye hospital in southern India.

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

METHODS

Of the uveitis eyes operated for cataract surgery between 2017 and 2020, eyes with a minimum of 6 months postoperative follow-up were included. Eyes with ocular trauma, lens subluxation, lens-induced uveitis, or retinal detachment-induced uveitis were excluded. Demography, visual acuity, intraoperative and postoperative records, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

191 eyes of 191 patients with a mean age of 51.7 ± 14.4 years were included. Phacoemulsification was performed in 134 eyes, and 57 eyes underwent MSICS. Synechiolysis and pupil-expanding maneuvers were required in 74 eyes (38.7%). No differences were noted in the rates of complications between phacoemulsification and MSICS eyes, except at 1 year, where higher rates of posterior capsular opacification and vitritis were noted in MSICS eyes ( P = .018). The visual outcomes of eyes that underwent MSICS and phacoemulsification were comparable ( P = .463). In 12 eyes (13.5%), improvement in vision was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows phacoemulsification may be a preferred technique in uveitis cataracts, given the lesser incidence of postoperative complications. Patients should be counseled for realistic expectations.

Early and Late Complications after Cataract Surgery in Patients with Uveitis

Background and Objectives: Uveitis, a prevalent eye disorder characterized by inflammatory processes, often leads to cataract formation and significant visual impairment. This study aimed to evaluate preoperative conditions and postoperative outcomes following cataract surgery in uveitis patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the University Hospital Center Rebro Zagreb, Croatia, involving uveitis patients who underwent cataract surgery between 2013 and 2022. Eligible patients had uveitic cataracts affecting visual acuity or posterior segment visualization in a "quiet eye" and were disease-inactive for at least three months. Patients with certain pre-existing ocular conditions were excluded. The data collected included patient demographics, uveitis type, preoperative therapy, preexisting lesions, and postoperative outcomes such as visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central macular thickness, and complications. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with complications. Results: This study included 105 patients. The most common uveitis types were idiopathic uveitis, HLA-B27-associated uveitis, and JIA uveitis. After cataract surgery, there was a significant improvement in visual acuity at various time points, with 90% of eyes showing improvement. Intraocular pressure decreased over time. Central macular thickness increased at three months post-surgery but remained stable thereafter. Early and late complications were observed in 52.4% and 63.8% of eyes, respectively. The most common complications were posterior capsular opacification (53.3%), macular edema (26.6%), and epiretinal membrane formation (9.52%). The factors associated with complications varied between early and late stages but included age, age at the onset of uveitis, and the uveitis type. Conclusions: In patients with quiescent uveitis undergoing cataract surgery, significant visual improvement was achieved. This study highlights the importance of careful patient selection, preoperative and postoperative inflammation management, and precise surgical techniques. Although complications were common, the risk of capsular opacification, macular edema, and epiretinal membrane formation after surgery increased. However, future investigations should address this study's limitations and further refine perioperative strategies.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator Effects on Fibrin Volume and the Ocular Proteome in a Juvenile Rabbit Model of Lensectomy

Purpose

To investigate the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its effects on the ocular proteome as a therapeutic intervention for postoperative inflammation and fibrin formation following intraocular lens (IOL) insertion in a juvenile rabbit model.

Methods

Twenty-six rabbits, 6 to 7 weeks old, underwent lensectomy with IOL insertion. Following examination on day 3, 100 µL of either 25 µg of recombinant rabbit tPA or balanced salt solution (control) was injected into the anterior chamber. On postoperative day 4, rabbits underwent examination, and eyes were harvested and fixed for 9.4-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three masked observers quantified fibrin scar volume using Horos Project software. Aqueous humor (AH) was collected immediately prior to surgery and on postoperative days 3 and 4. Proteins related to coagulation and inflammation were assessed in AH samples using targeted mass spectrometry via parallel reaction monitoring.

Results

tPA significantly reduced the volume of fibrin 24 hours following administration compared with control eyes (0.560 mm³ vs. 3.29 mm³; P < 0.0001). Despite the reduced fibrin scar, proteins related to the coagulation and complement cascade were not significantly different following tPA injection.

Conclusions

tPA may be a safe candidate for reduction of postoperative fibrin scarring after intraocular surgery. MRI can provide a quantitative value for fibrin volume changes.

Translational Relevance

tPA is a candidate to treat ocular fibrin scarring. MRI can quantify the efficacy of treatments in future dose-response studies. Targeted mass spectrometry can provide critical data necessary to help decipher the effect on the abundance of targeted proteins following pharmacological intervention.

Intraoperative intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection for prevention of postoperative inflammation and complications after phacoemulsification in patients with uveitic cataract

Background

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification with intravitreal 3 mg triamcinolone acetonide injection in preventing postoperative inflammation and complications in patients with non-infectious anterior uveitis and panuveitis complicated cataract.

Method

In this retrospective cohort study, 140 uveitic cataract patients who received phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in Shanxi Eye hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were reviewed. The IVTA group (51 eyes of 41 patients) received intravitreal injection of 3 mg triamcinolone acetonide (TA) at the end of surgery, and the control group (51 eyes of 41 patients) without injection matched by propensity score matching were enrolled. Outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber inflammation, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial cell density, central macular thickness and complications within 3 months follow-up.

Results

The degree of postoperative anterior chamber inflammation in the IVTA group was lighter than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative logMAR BCVA of anterior uveitis was better and improved more quickly in the IVTA group(P < 0.05). Postoperative time of using corticosteroids was shorter in the IVTA group as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The central macular thickness at postoperative month 1 was statistically significantly lower in the IVTA group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in postoperative corneal endothelial cell density and intraocular pressure (P > 0.05). Two of 51 eyes (3.9%) in the IVTA group and 8 of 51 eyes (15.7%) in the control group had recurrence of uveitis; 6 of 45 eyes (13.3%) in the control group developed cystoid macular edema but none in the IVTA group; 11 of 51 eyes (21.6%) in the IVTA group and 22 of 51 eyes (43.1%) in the control group developed posterior synechiae postoperatively.

Conclusions

Intraoperative Intravitreal injection of 3 mg TA is an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for preventing postoperative inflammation and complications to promote early recovery for anterior uveitis or panuveitis complicated cataract patients following phacoemulsification.

Trial registration

This retrospective cohort study was in accordance with the tenets of the Helsinki Declaration and was approved by the Shanxi Eye Hospital Ethics Committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants for their clinical records to be used in this study.

Visual outcome and prognostic factors in cataract surgery in ocular tuberculosis

Purpose:

To analyze the outcome of cataract surgery in patients with ocular tuberculosis (OTB).

Methods:

Medical records of patients with OTB who underwent cataract surgery between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome measure was corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA), and a good outcome was defined as CDVA 20/40 or better.

Results:

There were 35 patients (41 eyes), of whom 13 (37.1%) were males and 22 (62.9%) were females. The mean age was 41.6 ± 13.8 (range 18–65) years. Anterior uveitis was present in 24 (58.5%) eyes, intermediate uveitis in 5 (12.2%) eyes, posterior uveitis in 6 (14.6%) eyes, and panuveitis in 6 (14.6%) eyes. Posterior sub-capsular cataract (51.2%) was the most common type of cataract. Total cataract was present in 9 (22%) eyes. The two most common ocular comorbidities were small pupil (85.4%) and glaucoma (17.1%). Phacoemulsification was performed in 36 (87.8%) eyes and ECCE was performed in 5 (12.2%) eyes. Intraoperatively the pupil was mechanically dilated in 36 (87.8%) eyes. Overall 26 (63.4%) and 23 (56.1%) eyes achieved CDVA 20/40 or better at 1- and 6-month follow-up visit, respectively. The mean preoperative LogMAR CDVA significantly improved from 1.28 ± 0.57 to 0.38 ± 0.36 at 1-month (P < 0.0001). One eye had fibrinous anterior chamber reaction and 24 (58.5%) eyes had 1 or more episodes of reactivation of uveitis in the follow-up period. The three commonest complications were glaucoma (26.8%), posterior capsule opacification (19.5%), and epiretinal membrane (17.1%). Postoperative posterior segment complications like epiretinal membrane formation, vitreous inflammation and cystoid macular edema affected final visual acuity (P < 0.002).

Conclusion:

The visual outcome after cataract surgery in OTB was satisfactory as significant number of patients achieved a good final visual acuity.

Management of subluxed and dislocated intraocular lenses in patients with uveitis: a practical approach

PURPOSE

To describe practical approaches to the management of subluxed or dislocated intraocular lenses (IOL) in patients with uveitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective case series from a specialist uveitis clinic.

RESULTS

Fifteen IOLs in 13 patients were subluxed inferiorly (12) or dislocated into anterior chamber (2) or vitreous (1) at a mean delay of 12 years after cataract surgery. Six eyes required vitrectomy and seven IOL explantation. A dislocated IOL was repositioned by scleral fixation in one, and a new IOL was implanted in three (two scleral-sutured, one iris-claw). Eight were observed without surgery and 7 were left functionally aphakic (4 corrected with contact lens). The mean final best-corrected visual acuity was 0.6 LogMAR.

CONCLUSIONS

There are several management choices for IOL dislocation which should take into account the degree of uveitis, patient age and expectations. We present a pragmatic approach: surgery can often be avoided in this high-risk group.

Uveitis and deficient lens capsules: Effect of glued intraocular lens on the visual outcome and the reactivation of inflammation

Purpose:

To evaluate the visual outcome and complication profile after glued intraocular lens (IOL) in post uveitic eyes.

Methods:

Patients with history of uveitis who had glued IOL with 3 months antecedent quiet anterior chamber (AC) were included in this prospective observational case series. Visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, fundus evaluation, optical coherence tomography, intraocular pressure, specular count and AC inflammation were analyzed before and after glued IOL procedure. Glued IOL eyes were also compared with their fellow normal capsular bag IOL.

Results:

Overall 17 eyes (50.7 ± 16.1 years) were analyzed. It included 41.8%, 23.5%, and 35.29% anterior, posterior, and pan uveitis, respectively. The etiologies were tuberculosis (23.53%), toxoplasmosis (11.77%), Fuch's heterochromic cyclitis (5.88%), HLA B27 (11.77%), psoriatic arthritis (5.88%), Rheumatoid arthritis (5.8%), sarcoidosis (11.77%), herpetic kerato-uveitis (5.88%), and idiopathic (17.65%). Cataractous subluxated lens (35.3%), aphakia (23.5%), decentered IOL (23.5%) and intraoperative capsular rupture (17.6%) were the surgical indications. A significant improvement in the mean uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity (P < 0.001) was recorded. The complications were IOL pigment dispersion (47%), macular edema (41%), and epiretinal membrane (24%). There was significant rise in AC reaction on day 1 (P < 0.001) and normal AC was attained by 88.2% eyes at 6 months. AC inflammation reactivation was noted in 11.7% of eyes. Though inflammatory reactivation was similar to the normal IOL, macular edema was higher in glued IOL.

Conclusion:

Glued IOL can cause inflammation in uveitis eyes which can be managed medically with minimal complications.

Nd:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy in Adult Patients with Uveitis

Purpose: To study the complication rate of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in patients with uveitis.Method: Retrospective case note analysis of pseudophakic uveitis patients having undergone Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy between January 2016 and December 2018. Complications documented included uveitis flare, raised intraocular pressure, intraocular lens damage/displacement, cystoid macular edema, and retinal detachment.Results: There were 39 eyes of 38 patients (20M, 18F; age 27-89 years). Mean interval between cataract surgery and laser was 55 months (range 8-286 months). Mean laser energy was 79 mJ (range 33-207 mJ). At 3 months 62% of eyes achieved a 2-5 Snellen line improvement that was maintained at 12 months. Vision was unchanged in 21% of eyes due to preexisting pathology, with no eyes having worse vision. No post-laser complications were documented.Conclusions: Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is a safe procedure in uveitis patients, resulting in a good improvement in vision.

Phacoemulsification in patients with uveitis: long-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

To assess the long-term outcomes of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with uveitis.

METHODS

One hundred and five eyes of 81 patients, who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation between January 2009 and July 2016, were included in this study. The demographic data, preoperative clinical findings, postoperative outcomes, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. All collected data and risk factors with regard to visual prognosis were analyzed with the help of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 software program (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

RESULTS

During follow-up (mean: 35.2 ± 22.2 months), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improved in 87.7% of all eyes and reached a level of 0.3 LogMAR or greater in 61.3% of eyes. Postoperative complications included posterior capsule opacification (50.9%), posterior synechiae (21.7%), cystoid macular edema (16%), epiretinal membrane (13.2%), glaucoma (11.3%), increased intraocular pressure (8.5%), and severe inflammation (6.6%). Uveitis recurred in 55.7% of all eyes. The risk for the development of cystoid macular edema was found to be associated with recurrence in the early postoperative period. Low visual acuity risk was 11.1-fold higher with macular scarring (p = 0.001) and 14-fold higher with optic atrophy (p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

With appropriate management during the pre- and postoperative periods, phacoemulsification and IOL implantation surgery can be safe and effective in eyes with uveitis. However, great caution must be taken to prevent complications both before and after the surgery.

Long-Term Visual Acuity and its Predictors after Cataract Surgery in Patients with Uveitis

Purpose.

To analyze the outcomes of phacoemulsification and posterior intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with uveitis and to determine factors responsible for poor visual outcome.

Methods.

The records of 155 patients (180 eyes) with uveitis who had phacoemulsification and IOL implantation between August 2001 and March 2008 were examined retrospectively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded at the immediate preoperative visit and at follow-up examinations every 3 months. At each postoperative visit, a complete ophthalmologic examination was performed. The postoperative visual outcomes and complications were analyzed. Univariate regression analysis was done to determine risk factors for poor visual acuity during follow-up.

Results.

The mean follow-up was 31.4 months (range 3–78 months). An underlying systemic disease was present in 70 (45.2%) patients (82 eyes, 45.6%). The mean preoperative logMAR BCVA was 1.13±0.62 (95% CI: 0.85–1.02) and increased to 0.42±0.57 (95% CI: 0.32–0.59) at last medical visit (p<0.001). A total of 107 eyes (59.4%) had postoperative complications including posterior capsular opacification, newly developed macular edema, recurrence of uveitis, macular epiretinal membrane, and deposits on the IOL surface. Preoperatively observed macular lesions was the factor most strongly associated with poor visual outcome after cataract surgery (odds ratio: 5.43; 95% CI: 3.41–7.34; p<0.001). Anterior segment pathologies, age at surgery, etiology of uveitis (idiopathic, uveitis associated systemic disease), and gender did not influence visual rehabilitation after surgery (p>0.05).

Conclusions.

The outcomes of phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in patients with uveitis were satisfactory. Patients with observed preoperative macular lesions are at risk for poor visual outcome.

The Influence of Phacoemulsification on Intraocular Pressure Control and Trabeculectomy Survival in Uveitic Glaucoma

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of phacoemulsification on intraocular pressure (IOP) control and survival of mitomycin C (MMC)-enhanced trabeculectomy in uveitic glaucoma (UG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective case-control study included 54 eyes from 40 patients with UG who underwent MMC-enhanced trabeculectomy as an initial procedure to treat glaucoma at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 2002 and 2014. Eyes were divided into 2 groups: the first group included eyes that later underwent cataract surgery in the form of phacoemulsification, and the second group included eyes that did not have cataract surgery. The main outcome measures were changes in the IOP, the number of antiglaucoma medications, IOP control, and trabeculectomy survival.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the overall trabeculectomy survival of eyes that underwent cataract surgery and those that did not (P=0.681, log-rank) nor the final IOP [15.54 mm Hg (±6.3) in the study group and 13.34 mm Hg (±5.6) in the control group, P=0.247]. However, more antiglaucoma medications were needed to control the IOP after cataract surgery at the last follow-up [1.59 medications (±1.4) in the study group and 0.50 medications (±0.7) in the control group; P=0.009].

CONCLUSIONS

UG eyes that underwent phacoemulsification following MMC-enhanced trabeculectomy required more medications to control the IOP than those that did not undergo cataract surgery and therefore less IOP control. Such changes in IOP control did not affect the overall trabeculectomy survival rate.

Phacoemulsification with primary implantation of an intraocular lens in patients with uveitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome of cataract surgery in adult patients with uveitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, medical charts of patients with uveitis and matched control patients without uveitis who underwent cataract surgery at the Eye Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, between January 2005 and December 2009 were analyzed.

RESULTS

The study included 58 eyes with and 283 eyes without uveitis. The most common etiologies were idiopathic anterior uveitis and Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis. Postoperative visual acuity at 4 weeks was ≥0.5 decimal (0.3 logMAR) in 48 eyes with uveitis (87.3%) compared to 180 non-uveitic eyes (86.1%). Four eyes with uveitis (7.1%) and one eye without uveitis (0.5%) developed postoperative intraocular hypertension/glaucoma. Posterior capsule opacification developed in 11 eyes (19.0%) with and 28 eyes (12.4%) without uveitis.

CONCLUSION

With appropriate perioperative anti-inflammatory regimen and surveillance, modern cataract surgery using phacoemulsification and primary intraocular lens implantation can be performed in patients with uveitis without greater risk of complications, yielding similar visual outcome as in patients without uveitis.

Outcomes of cataract surgery with/without vitrectomy in patients with pars planitis and immunosuppressive therapy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of cataract surgery with/without vitrectomy in patients with pars planitis who received immunosuppressive therapy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series, single-center study. Twenty-two patients with pars planitis who received immunosuppressive therapy were included, with a median age at presentation of 9.5 years, having had cataract surgery. The following data was collected: age at presentation and at cataract surgery, time of follow-up, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before the surgery and at 1 week, 1 and 6 months after the procedure, immunosuppressive therapy, complications and causes for failed visual improvement. The variables associated with an improvement in visual acuity were evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients had phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. The most common immunosuppressive therapy used for the patients was methotrexate in nine patients (40.9%). The BCVA improved from a median of 20/400 to 20/100 after 6 months of follow-up (p = 0.0005); 14 patients (63.6%) improved two lines of vision or more. No significant risk factors were found for the association with improvement in visual acuity after the surgery. No improvement in visual acuity was attributed to posterior segment manifestations or amblyopia; the most common complication was posterior capsule opacification in 11 eyes (50%). The median follow-up after the surgery was 32 months.

CONCLUSION

Phacoemulsification was the procedure for all the patients. Visual acuity improved in patients with pars planitis treated with immunosuppressive drugs who underwent cataract surgery, except for the patients with posterior segment complications or amblyopia.

Cataract surgery in uveitis: a multicentre database study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Cataract is an important source of visual loss in patients with uveitis. Whether or not outcomes of cataract surgery in eyes with uveitis are worse compared with non-uveitic eyes have to date been compromised by lack of reliable estimates of benefit and harm, which require data from large cohorts.

METHODS

Electronic medical record data were extracted from eight independent UK clinical sites for eyes undergoing cataract extraction between January 2010 and December 2014. 1173 eyes with a recorded diagnosis of uveitis were compared with a reference group of 95 573 eyes from the same dataset.

RESULTS

Uveitic eyes represented 1.2% of all eyes undergoing cataract surgery. Eyes in the uveitic group had worse preoperative visual acuity (0.87 vs 0.65 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units), were from younger patients and had shorter axial lengths and a higher incidence of ocular copathology including glaucoma. A greater number had documented small pupils, required additional surgical procedures, developed more intraoperative complications and had poorer postoperative visual acuity at all time points measured up to 6 months (0.41 vs 0.27 logMAR units at 12-24 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

This large study cohort of eyes with a diagnosis of uveitis undergoing cataract surgery highlights more precisely the complex surgical demands, copathology and worse visual outcomes in this group. These data will allow more accurate preoperative counselling and planning. Although improvement in visual acuity is achieved in most cases, prognosis should be guarded, so that patient expectations are met. Compared with the non-uveitic population, the mean postoperative visual acuity is between one and two lines worse at all time points.

Neovascular glaucoma following Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in a patient with diabetes and syphilitic uveitis

A diabetic woman had been suffering from progressively blurry vision in the right eye for 1 year after cataract surgery. Slit lamp examination revealed bilateral band keratopathy with quiescent anteriorchamber reaction, an intumescent cataract in the left eye, and dense posterior capsular opacity in the right eye. Capsulotomy was performed, but this led to neovascular glaucoma. Because of a refractory elevation in intraocular pressure, trabeculectomy with mitomycin C treatment, vitrectomy with panretinal photocoagulation, and intravitreal injection of bevacizumab were performed. A positive rapid plasma reagin test and a positive Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay led to the impression of syphilitic uveitis, and the patient was treated with intravenous penicillin for 2 weeks. The visual acuity of the right eye was 0.1 at the 12^th-month follow up. This case shows that neovascular glaucoma may present as a complication of capsulotomy in uveitic/diabetic eyes.

Follow-Up Study of Over Three Years of Patients with Uveitis after Cataract Phacoemulsification: Outcomes and Complications

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rate and onset of intraoperative and postoperative complications post-phacoemulsification.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-two eyes of 145 patients with uveitis who underwent phacoemulsification between 2006 and 2009 were identified through surgical record review. Fifty-nine eyes of 46 patients met the inclusion criteria. Hazard ratio (HR) and Kaplan-Meier survival probability were calculated for each class of uveitis.

RESULTS

Macular edema (ME) resulted to be associated to chronic postoperative inflammation (r = 0.6; p = 0.00) and mostly related to patients who presented more than one postoperative relapse/year (r = 0.2; p = 0.02). Fuchs uveitis resulted to be a risk factor for posterior capsule opacification (PCO) (HR 3.36 IC95%1.0-10.5; p = 0.03). Hypotony and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) were detected in the anterior uveitis group (0.02 EY).

CONCLUSION

The HR to develop ME was significantly related to chronic anterior uveitis. PCO and elevated IOP are most frequent in Fuchs uveitis. The postoperative visual acuity result was good among all the uveitis groups.

Perioperative pharmacological management in patients with glaucoma

REVIEẂS AIM: When a phacoemulsification, a filtration surgery or a combined surgery are necessary, questions about the convenience of continuing certain antiglaucomatous drugs could appear. The aim of this review article is to unify criteria that will guide daily clinical practice and including the developing algorithms of action in the preoperative and postoperative periods of filtration surgery and/or cataract surgery.

PROPOSED PROTOCOLS

In the preoperative period of cataract surgery, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is at the discretion of the surgeon, with the monodose presentation being recommended. The suspension of prostaglandines a fewdays before the surgery should be considered. Preservative-free drugs ensure a better recovery of the ocular surface (OS) after cataract surgery. Once all modifying factors of the intraocular pressure (IOP) have been removed, baseline IOP should be evaluated again, choosing preservative-free antiglaucomatous drugs when needed. The use of preservative-free ocular antihypertensive drugs and steroids in the preoperative period of glaucoma surgery reduces the risk of surgical failure. The interruption of prostaglandines is recommended. In the postoperative period of glaucoma surgery, steroids are the anti-inflammatory treatment of choice, the preservative-free ones being preferred. When reintroducing antiglaucomatous treatment, preservatives should be avoided to prevent scarring. The appropriate perioperative management of patients with glaucoma is essential to obtain a correct control of IOP, improve the situation of the OS, prevent complications and improve the result of the filtration surgery and cataract surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

this protocol aims to unify the different lines of action in order to decrease the incidence of adverse events and maximize the surgical outcome.

In vitro growth of lens epithelial cells from cataract patients - association with possible risk factors for posterior capsule opacification

AIM

Inter-individual differences in intrinsic proliferative capacity of lens epithelial cells may have importance for the risk of developing posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery. The purpose of the present study was to determine growth of human lens epithelial cells (HLEC) in culture and investigate possible associations with clinical characteristics of the donors, such as age, sex, pseudoexfoliation, uveitis and diabetes.

METHODS

Pieces of lens capsule and adhering lens epithelial cells were obtained through capsulorhexis at cataract surgery. Specimens were cultured in a humidified CO2-incubator using standard culture medium and 5% fetal calf serum for two weeks after which cultured cells were stained with carboxy-fluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester. Image processing software was used to determine the area of the confluent epithelial cell layer in relation to the size of the original capsule specimen.

RESULTS

The increase in area of confluent HLEC showed a negative correlation with diabetes at the first week after surgery. Lower age and female sex showed border-line significant associations with a higher rate of cell proliferation. The presence of pseudoexfoliation in vivo did not significantly affect cell growth in culture postoperatively. Nor did installation of xylocain in the anterior chamber during surgery.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes is associated with lower rate of proliferation of lens epithelial cells in culture. The lack of strong correlations between in vitro growth and known risk factors for PCO in the donors suggest that other factors than the proliferative capacity of the cells per se are important for PCO formation.

Cataract surgery in uveitis

Cataract surgery in uveitic eyes is often challenging and can result in intraoperative and postoperative complications. Most uveitic patients enjoy good vision despite potentially sight-threatening complications, including cataract development. In those patients who develop cataracts, successful surgery stems from educated patient selection, careful surgical technique, and aggressive preoperative and postoperative control of inflammation. With improved understanding of the disease processes, pre- and perioperative control of inflammation, modern surgical techniques, availability of biocompatible intraocular lens material and design, surgical experience in performing complicated cataract surgeries, and efficient management of postoperative complications have led to much better outcome. Preoperative factors include proper patient selection and counseling and preoperative control of inflammation. Meticulous and careful cataract surgery in uveitic cataract is essential in optimizing the postoperative outcome. Management of postoperative complications, especially inflammation and glaucoma, earlier rather than later, has also contributed to improved outcomes. This manuscript is review of the existing literature and highlights the management pearls in tackling complicated cataract based on medline search of literature and experience of the authors.

Intraoperative intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide for cataract extraction in patients with uveitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone injection in controlling postoperative inflammation after cataract extraction in patients with uveitis.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 30 eyes with uveitis that had phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation. Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg) was injected at the end of surgery. No systemic steroids were given after surgery.

RESULTS

Visual acuity improvement of 2 lines or more occurred in 26 eyes (86.7%). Six eyes (20%) had a best-corrected visual acuity of 6/60 or better before surgery, which increased to 22 eyes (73.3%) after surgery. Five eyes (16.7%) had a visual acuity of 6/12 or better after surgery. Intravitreal triamcinolone injection controlled the postoperative inflammation in all eyes for at least 3 months following surgery.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal triamcinolone injection was effective in controlling postoperative inflammation after cataract extraction in patients with uveitis sparing the use of systemic steroids.

Comparison of orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide and oral prednisolone for cataract surgery management in patients with non-infectious uveitis

PURPOSE

To compare orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide and oral prednisolone in cataract surgery in patients with chronic non-infectious uveitis with regard to visual outcome, postoperative inflammation and macular edema.

METHODS

Monocentric prospective randomized clinical trial with 40 eyes included. Patients underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular acrylic foldable lens (IOL) implantation. Patients were randomized either to intraoperative orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide (TA) (1 ml = 40 mg) (group 1, n = 20), or to 4-week postoperative oral prednisolone (group 2, n = 20). Laser flare photometry (LFM), cells in the anterior chamber (AC), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOL cell deposits, cystoid macular edema (CME) by means of fluorescein angiography, and central foveal thickness (OCT), posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were analysed during a 6-months period.

RESULTS

Mean BCVA postoperatively improved (p < 0.01) from logMAR 0.74 and 0.86 to 0.23 and 0.35 in groups 1 and 2 respectively.The number of AC cells, LFM and IOL cell deposits did not differ. Macular edema stayed unchanged in most cases in both groups, and mean foveal thickness (OCT) initially increased postoperatively, but after 6 months it nearly returned to baseline thickness. Differences between the groups were not significant. Up to 12% in group 1 and 28% of group 2 developed IOP elevation over 21 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

A single intraoperative orbital floor injection of triamcinolone acetonide is as effective on postoperative inflammation, macular edema, and visual outcome as a 4-week course of postoperative oral prednisolone in cataract surgery with IOL implantation in uveitis patients.

Comparison between intravitreal and orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide after phacoemulsification in patients with endogenous uveitis

PURPOSE

To compare the effect of intravitreal and orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on macular edema, visual outcome, and course of postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery in uveitis patients.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

Monocenter study (40 patients) with chronic endogenous uveitis who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation with either 4 mg intravitreal TA (n = 20) or 40 mg orbital floor TA (n = 20). The primary outcome was influence on cystoid macular edema (CME). Secondary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber cell grade, laser flare photometry, giant cell deposition, posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and intraocular pressure.

RESULTS

Mean central foveal thickness decreased in the intravitreal TA group and increased in the orbital floor TA group (P < .001 at one and three months). CME improved in 50% of patients after intravitreal TA, whereas it was unchanged after orbital floor TA (difference between the groups at three months, P = .049). Mean BCVA (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution) improved postoperatively (P < .001) from 0.76 and 0.74 to 0.22 and 0.23 in the intravitreal TA and orbital floor TA group, respectively. Anterior chamber cell count at one month was lower in the intravitreal TA than in the orbital floor TA group (P = .02). Laser flare photometry values and giant cell numbers were slightly higher after orbital floor TA than after intravitreal TA. The groups did not differ with respect to PCO rate and ocular hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

The CME improvement and anti-inflammatory effect after intravitreal TA was better than after orbital floor TA injection in cataract surgery in uveitis patients.

Combined fluocinolone acetonide intraocular delivery system insertion, phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation for severe uveitis

PURPOSE

To determine whether a three-year fluocinolone acetonide sustained drug delivery system can be implanted safely at the same time that phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation are performed for a visually significant cataract in eyes with uveitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective, single-center case series.

METHODS

All consecutive patients treated from April 1998 through September 2006 at an academic clinical practice with intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, or panuveitis requiring immunosuppressive therapy, periocular corticosteroid injections, or both. Phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, and fluocinolone acetonide implant insertion were performed during a single surgical session. The main outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative ocular inflammation, visual acuity (VA), intraoperative complications, anti-inflammatory medication use, IOP, and postoperative adverse events.

RESULTS

Twenty-four eyes of 21 patients were studied. Mean follow-up duration was 27 months (range, six to 60 months). No patients had intraoperative complications. The mean Snellen VA at baseline was 20/316, which improved significantly to 20/75 at 12 months. The average number of recurrences in the 12 months before implantation was 2.2 episodes per eye. Only one eye experienced a recurrence at seven months after implantation. Topical corticosteroids, posterior sub-Tenon capsule injections, and systemic anti-inflammatory medications were reduced significantly at 12 months. Average IOP was unchanged after surgery compared with preoperative IOP; 15% underwent glaucoma filtering surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

A fluocinolone acetonide implant insertion can be combined safely with phacoemulsification plus IOL implantation during the same surgical session in eyes with uveitis. VA generally was improved, uveitis recurrences decreased, and the need for immunosuppression decreased. The most common side effect was increased IOP.

Uveal and capsular biocompatibility of two foldable acrylic intraocular lenses in patients with endogenous uveitis--a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

To compare a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic acrylic single-piece intraocular lens (IOL) in uveitis patients with respect to biocompatibility and visual outcome.

METHODS

Prospective, randomized study in patients with noninfectious uveitis after phacoemulsification and implantation of either a hydrophobic AcrySof (group 1, n = 30) or a hydrophilic Akreos adapt (group 2, n = 30), sharp-edged acrylic IOL. The primary outcome was uveal biocompatibility, detected by giant-cell deposition, anterior chamber cell count and laserflare photometry over a 6-month follow-up period. Secondary outcome measures were capsular biocompatibility, as detected by posterior capsule opacification (PCO), lens epithelial cell outgrowth and Nd:YAG capsulotomies, and visual outcome.

RESULTS

The groups did not differ with respect to anatomic type of uveitis, immunosuppressive treatment, associated systemic disease, and intraoperative manipulation. The number of giant cells on the anterior IOL surface was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.03). The number of anterior chamber cells, laser flare photometry levels, and uveitis reactivations after surgery did not differ between the groups. After 6 months, the number of patients with PCO development (p = 1.0) and Nd:YAG capsulotomies (p = 0.21), lens epithelial cell outgrowth, visual outcome and uveitis complications were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both of the acrylic IOLs used had good uveal and capsular biocompatibility, leading to significant improvement in BCVA in patients with noninfectious uveitis. No obvious differences were detected at 6 months with respect to uveal and capsular biocompatibility and visual outcome.

Safety and efficacy of intraoperative intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide injection after phacoemulsification in cases of uveitic cataract

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single intraoperative intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide after phacoemulsification in patients with chronic idiopathic anterior uveitis or intermediate uveitis.

SETTING

Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

METHODS

This prospective randomized controlled study included 40 eyes (40 patients) with chronic idiopathic anterior uveitis or intermediate uveitis that had phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Twenty eyes received an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg/0.1 mL) intraoperatively (triamcinolone acetonide group), and 20 received oral steroids (steroid group) postoperatively. Outcome measures were Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber reaction, intraocular pressure (IOP) by applanation tonometry, and central macular thickness by optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

The mean BCVA (decimal) improved from a baseline of 0.13 +/- 0.14 to 0.64 +/- 0.32 in the triamcinolone acetonide group and from 0.05 +/- 0.06 to 0.61 +/- 0.36 in the steroid group (P = .74). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in postoperative anterior chamber reaction, IOP, or central macular thickness. Four patients in the triamcinolone acetonide group and 5 in the steroid group had recurrence of uveitis; 5 patients in the triamcinolone acetonide group had ocular hypertension. One patient in the triamcinolone acetonide group and 3 in the steroid group had cystoid macular edema postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

A single intraoperative intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide seemed to be a safe and efficacious route of steroid delivery during phacoemulsification in patients with chronic idiopathic anterior uveitis or intermediate uveitis and is recommended as a substitute for postoperative oral steroid administration.

Intraoperative use of intravitreal triamcinolone in uveitic eyes having cataract surgery: pilot study

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes of cataract extraction with intraoperative intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) in eyes with a history of posterior uveitis.

SETTING

Moorfields Eye Hospital Uveitis Service, London, United Kingdom.

METHODS

Nineteen eyes of 17 patients with posterior uveitis thought to require systemic corticosteroid prophylaxis for cataract surgery were included. The use of systemic corticosteroids at the time of surgery would have been problematic in 7 of the patients, who had a history of systemic hypertension. Three of the 7 patients were also diabetic. All patients were not happy about using oral corticosteroids.

RESULTS

Median visual acuity 1 day after surgery was 20/40 (range 20/20 to counting fingers). At final follow-up (mean 25.2 months; range 7 to 41 months), 17 eyes (89.5%) eyes achieved visual acuity of 20/40 or better; 2 eyes failed to achieve a final visual acuity of 20/40 or better, 1 as a result of optic atrophy and the other as a result of macular edema. No patient lost acuity and no eye developed macular edema within 4 months of surgery. Intraocular pressure elevation occurred after surgery in 3 eyes; all were controlled by topical medication that was discontinued after 3 months. One patient developed severe intraocular inflammation after surgery that resolved with intensive topical corticosteroid therapy within 1 week.

CONCLUSIONS

Cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with concurrent IVTA appears a useful treatment option. Targeted delivery of corticosteroid is achieved without the risks of systemic corticosteroid prophylaxis. The incidence of postoperative macular edema was markedly reduced. Levels of visual acuity after cataract surgery, similar to those in eyes without uveitis, were achieved in eyes with posterior uveitis.

Outcome of phacoemulsification in patients with uveitis

AIMS

To examine the visual outcome and identify risk factors for postoperative uveitis, macular oedema and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with uveitis.

METHOD

This is a retrospective review of the medical records of 101 eyes of 101 patients. One eye was randomly selected for inclusion in patients who had bilateral surgery. Patients with juvenile arthritis, keratouveitis and lymphoma-associated uveitis were excluded.

RESULTS

At the first postoperative and final visits, visual acuity was significantly better (p<0.001), and 64.4% and 71.3% of patients, respectively, had achieved >or=2 Snellen's lines of visual improvement. The cumulative probability of doubling of the visual angle was 52% over 6 years of follow-up, and this occurred at a higher rate in the presence of preoperative retinal or optic nerve lesions (HR (95% CI) 4.49 (1.41 to 14.29)). Within 3 months after operation, uveitis was more likely to develop in female patients (OR (95% CI) 6.21 (1.41 to 27.43)) and in the presence of significant intraoperative posterior synechiae (OR (95% CI) 8.43 (1.09 to 65.41)); macular oedema was more likely to develop in patients who developed postoperative uveitis (OR (95% CI) 7.45 (1.63 to 34.16)). Nd:YAG capsulotomy occurred at a higher rate in patients aged <or=55 years (HR (95% CI) 2.28 (1.06, 4.93)) and in those with hydrogel IOLs (HR (95% CI) 3.71 (1.04 to 13.20)), and occurred at a lower rate in patients who had prophylactic systemic corticosteroids (HR (95% CI) 0.25 (0.11 to 0.59)), with plate-haptic silicone IOLs (HR (95% CI) 0.23 (0.08 to 0.64)) and three-piece silicone IOLs (HR (95% CI) 0.19 (0.05 to 0.74)) in comparison to those with polymethylmethacrylate IOLs.

CONCLUSION

Most patients with uveitis achieve improved visual acuity after phacoemulsification, but an increasing rate of visual loss is observed in those with pre-existent macular or optic nerve lesions. Identifying patients who are at risk of postoperative complications should help in patient counselling and to pre-empt these complications by using preoperative prophylactic corticosteroids, careful IOL selection and postoperative intensive corticosteroids.

Phacotrabeculectomy with mitomycin C in patients with uveitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C for the management of uveitic complications.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of the records of 23 consecutive eyes with chronic noninfectious uveitis (uveitic group) and 43 nonuveitic eyes (control group) that had received primary phacotrabeculectomy. Mitomycin C was used in all the uveitic eyes. Considering the high preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of the uveitic group, nonuveitic eyes that had a preoperative IOP of >or=20 mm Hg or that had been given two or more medications were included in the control group. All patients were followed for at least one year. The main outcome measures were postoperative vision, IOP control, complications, and acute uveitis relapse rates.

RESULTS

Visual outcome of the uveitic group was similar to the control group. In the uveitic group, the success rate of IOP control (91.3% at one year, 84.8% at two years) was favorable but was significantly lower than in the control group (P = .0423). Complications were comparable between the groups. Primary surgical failure in the uveitic group was associated with the postoperative acute uveitis attack. In the uveitic group, the acute uveitis attack rate showed no change after surgery (P = .283).

CONCLUSION

With adequate inflammation suppression, phacotrabeculectomy with mitomycin C is an effective and safe therapeutic option for the management of secondary cataract and glaucoma in uveitic eyes. A lower surgical success rate of the uveitic group might be attributable to the postoperative inflammation recurrence.

Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in cases of pars planitis

PURPOSE

To analyze the results of phacoemulsification cataract surgery with implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) of different biomaterials in eyes with pars planitis.

SETTING

Medical and Vision Research Foundations, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India.

METHODS

The records of 86 patients (100 eyes) with pars planitis who had phacoemulsification with IOL implantation between January 1997 and April 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. The eyes were divided into 3 groups depending on IOL biomaterial: poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (n=32), heparin-surface-modified PMMA (n=39), or acrylic (n=29). The postoperative visual outcome and complications in each group were analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients were men and 39, women. The mean age was 38 years (range 10 to 65 years) and the mean follow-up, 19.67 months (range 3.00 to 54.53 months). At the final follow-up, 91 eyes (91%) had better visual acuity than preoperatively; 79 had an improvement of 2 or more Snellen lines, 12 had an improvement of 1 Snellen line, 4 had no change, and 5 had a decrease as a result of reactivation of the pars planitis and progression of cystoid macular edema (CME). Significant posterior capsule opacification occurred in 10 eyes (10%), CME in 50 eyes (50%), reactivation of pars planitis in 51 eyes (51%), IOL deposits in 29 eyes (29%), IOL decentration in 1 eye (1%), and anterior capsule fibrosis in 14 eyes (14%). The most frequent cause of poor visual recovery was CME, submacular fibrosis, and epiretinal membrane. There was no statistically significant difference in these complications between the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation in eyes with pars planitis was safe and led to good visual outcomes in most cases. The factors in surgical success were control of inflammation, meticulous surgery, in-the-bag IOL implantation, and vigilant postoperative care.

Cataract surgery in sympathetic ophthalmia

PURPOSE

To analyze the results of cataract surgery in patients with sympathetic ophthalmia.

SETTING

Sankara Nethralaya, Medical Research Foundation, Chennai, India.

METHODS

This study comprised 66 patients (132 eyes) with sympathetic ophthalmia seen at the uveitis referral clinic between January 1990 and July 2001; 42 eyes (31.8%) had cataract. Cataract surgery was performed in 17 sympathizing eyes and 1 exciting eye (17 patients). The records of these 18 eyes were retrospectively analyzed. Three eyes had extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, 6 eyes had ECCE without IOL implantation, and 9 eyes had phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. The mean follow-up was 28.7 months (range 3 to 60 months).

RESULTS

The causes of sympathetic ophthalmia were penetrating trauma (n = 8 eyes), ocular surgery (n = 6), perforated corneal ulcer (n = 2), and cyclocryotherapy (n = 1). The most common cataract type, present in 7 eyes (38.8%), was mixed (posterior subcapsular and posterior polar). Visual acuity improved after surgery in 13 eyes (72.2%). The main factors impairing visual recovery were submacular scar and optic atrophy, which were sequelae of the sympathetic ophthalmia. Posterior capsule opacification was noted in 14 eyes (77.7%); it was visually significant in 6 eyes. There was no significant difference in postoperative inflammation or disease reactivation between the 3 types of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Cataract extraction in cases of sympathetic ophthalmia can be safely and successfully performed with vigilant preoperative and postoperative control of inflammation, careful surgical planning, and meticulous surgical technique. The final visual outcome, however, depends on the posterior segment complications of the disease.

Long-term results of cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation in patients with uveitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term visual results after cataract extraction in patients with uveitis, and to demonstrate the long-term viability of intraocular lenses.

DESIGN

In all, 61 patients (72 eyes), with update clinical examination, were retrospectively evaluated. Comparison of preoperative, postoperative, and latest visual function including best-corrected Snellen visual acuity, progression of uveitis and its complications, need for postoperative medical or surgical interventions.

RESULTS

After a minimum follow-up of 5 years (mean 7 years 7 months), 82% of eyes maintained a visual improvement of two Snellen lines, 74% maintained 6/9 or better, and 14% had 6/18 or worse. The mode acuity was better than 6/6. The prevalence of macular oedema or scarring was 24%, of posterior capsule opacification 96%, and of glaucoma drainage, 15%.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the long-term follow-up of cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation performed by a single surgeon on patients with uveitis attending a regional tertiary referral uveitis clinic. Using stringent perioperative and postoperative control of inflammation, patients with uveitis usually maintain high visual acuity over long-term follow-up. The incidence of sight-threatening postoperative complications is low and no ongoing complication has been attributed to IOL implantation.

Brown deposits in the optic of foldable intraocular lenses in patients with uveitis

PURPOSE

To report a new finding of brown deposits scattered in the substance of the optic of foldable intraocular lenses (IOL) following phakoemulsification in patients with uveitis.

METHODS

Consecutive uveitis patients (54 patients, 71 eyes) who had undergone phakoemulsification with a foldable posterior chamber IOL between March 1996 and November 2000 were studied. A variety of biomaterials from seven different manufacturers had been implanted. One masked observer using slit-lamp biomicroscopy assessed deposits in the substance of the optic of the IOL.

RESULTS

Brown deposits were detected in the substance of the optic of 25/71 (35%) IOLs with 18/22 (82%) of AcrySof MA60BM IOLs being affected. Using logistic regression analysis, the AcrySof MA60BM IOL was significantly associated with the presence of deposits (adjusted odds ratio=38.5, 95% CI 6.9-200, P<0.001). Using multiple regression analysis, there was a significant association between the severity of deposits and the use of the AcrySof MA60BM IOL (P=0.005). Compared with other foldable IOLs implanted, the AcrySof MA60BM IOL was 38.5 times more likely to develop intra-IOL deposits. There was no association with those eyes that had undergone increased intraocular manipulations. The deposits did not appear to affect visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge the finding of brown intra-IOL deposits has not previously been described. These deposits are more frequent in the AcrySof MA60BM implant than the other foldable implants studied. They share some similarities with glistenings, but their exact nature remains unknown.

Managing cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery

Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a common problem after cataract extraction. It can occur after uncomplicated surgery in patients with otherwise healthy eyes, after complicated surgery, or after surgery in patients with ocular diseases such as uveitis or diabetic retinopathy. Usually vision loss from cystoid macular edema is temporary and responds to treatment with topical anti-inflammatory medications. However, some cases respond poorly to conservative treatment and may develop permanent visual loss. A review of the medical literature was performed for all articles published in English between August 1, 2001 and July 31, 2002 on the topic of cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery. The authors selected nine articles that were most relevant to the practicing ophthalmologist for inclusion in this review. Topics of interest included vitreous loss, retained lens fragments, diabetes, uveitis, retinitis pigmentosa, ocular hypotensive lipids, internal limiting membrane peeling, and intravitreal triamcinolone injection.

Management of coincident cataract and uveitis

Cataract surgery in a patient with uveitis is more complex than senile cataract extraction, because it involves multiple considerations related to the cause of uveitis, prospects of visual rehabilitation, appropriate surgical timing and technique, and the type and material of the intraocular lens used. Establishing the diagnosis, thorough eye examination, careful patient selection and meticulous control of perioperative inflammation are key elements to a successful visual outcome. Our aims in this article are to review the literature on this subject over the past year and highlight the behavior of intraocular lenses of various biomaterials in the uveitic eye. In addition, we also reemphasize the idea of a model of zero tolerance to intraocular inflammation to minimize the incidence of irreversible damage to ocular structures essential to good vision.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis commonly involves the eye, causing uveitis, the lacrimal gland, and the cranial nerves, including the optic nerve itself. Several microorganism types have recently been located in sarcoid granulomas, suggesting an infective cause in predisposed individuals. The approach to diagnosis has been refined, including the use of high-resolution computed tomography of the chest. New ophthalmic manifestations have been described, suggesting a wider role for sarcoidosis in intraocular inflammation, and indocyanine green angiography has clarified choroidal involvement. Immunosuppressive and anticytokine treatments can be effective in severe systemic sarcoidosis and should be considered in sight-threatening disease.